Antalya/Kemer: Suluada Island Small-Group Boat Tour w/ Lunch

Clear water, warm swims, and a full day at sea make this tour easy to like. The trip from Antalya takes you to Suluada Island, an uninhabited spot with pale beaches, rocky coves, and three scheduled stops at Paradise Bay, Waterfall Bay, and Maldives Beach. I especially like the low price of $21 and the fact that lunch, boat transport, and several swim breaks are included. The crew also adds plenty of energy, with guides such as Kartal, Ugur, and Mehmet praised for their humor and helpful attitude.

The catch is the long day. From Antalya, you can spend about two hours each way on the road, and the boat may carry up to 65 people. Some visitors also found the transfer vehicle too warm or the lunch only average, so this is best for you if clear water and a social boat day matter more than quiet, private service.

Quick points to know before booking

• Three different swim areas: Paradise Bay, Waterfall Bay, and Maldives Beach give you several chances to get in the water.
• A $21 package with strong value: The price includes the boat trip and lunch, with hotel transport included on selected options.
• A long Antalya day trip: Allow roughly 7 to 12 hours, including road transfers, depending on your pickup point.
• A boat for up to 65 people: You get a friendly, social setting rather than a private yacht experience.
• Bring water shoes: Some beaches have rough stones mixed with sand, making bare feet uncomfortable.
• Choose fish if you prefer a proper lunch: Chicken and fish are offered on some departures, and several people preferred the fish.

The real appeal of Suluada Island

Suluada is uninhabited, and that is the heart of the experience. You are not visiting a resort island with streets, shops, or a line of restaurants. You are spending time around coves where the main attractions are clear sea, pale sand, rocky cliffs, and the view from the boat.

The water is the reason to book. Several swim areas are warm and remarkably clear, making it easy to look down and see the sea below you. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Snorkeling equipment may be rented for about €5, but availability and pricing are best confirmed on the boat.

I would not treat this as a serious wildlife excursion. Marine life viewing is part of the schedule, but the main pleasure is swimming and seeing the coastline from the water. You might spot fish while snorkeling, but the tour does not promise a particular animal encounter.

The island can become crowded, especially in the main summer season. Other boats use the same popular coves, so the scene may feel more like a shared swimming day than a private escape. Still, the coves are large enough for you to enjoy the water, take photographs, and find a place to relax on deck.

Getting from Antalya to the Adrasan coast

If you choose hotel pickup, wait outside your hotel security gate. Tour vehicles are not permitted inside many hotel grounds, and the driver may wait only five minutes after the scheduled time. Pickup times vary by area, so keep your phone nearby and be ready early.

The route from Antalya takes about two hours by bus or coach. Pickup areas include Konyaaltı, Lara Beach, Belek, Kemer, Antalya, and the Kooperatif Cafe meeting point. If you stay in Kemer or nearby, the road portion should be easier than it is from Antalya or Belek.

Some pickup options include a breakfast stop on the way. This is useful if you leave your hotel early, and one particularly praised breakfast stop offered fresh food at reasonable prices. It also adds time to an already long day, so you should think of the stop as part of the outing rather than a quick transfer.

Transport quality can vary. Many departures are described as punctual, comfortable, and air-conditioned, but one vehicle was criticized for weak air conditioning and a rushed driver. I would bring a small bottle of water for the road and avoid assuming every minibus will feel equally cool.

Boarding the boat at Adrasan

At the coast, you transfer from the coach to the boat and begin the sea portion of the trip. The advertised boat capacity is up to 65 people, so expect a group setting with music, conversation, and a lively crew.

The boats used on departures have included Carpe Diem and Korol. Exact boats can vary, but the basic setup is similar: open decks, places to sit, mattresses or padded areas for relaxing, and a toilet onboard. The roof area is popular for sunbathing and photographs, though you will want to keep sunscreen close and move into shade when the sun gets strong.

The crew often sets a cheerful tone. Guides such as Kartal, sometimes spelled Kartel in tour details, have been praised for jokes, helpful tips, and keeping the group involved. Ugur and Mehmet have also been singled out for friendly service and entertainment. The atmosphere may include music and simple onboard entertainment, so this is not the best choice if you want a silent sailing trip.

The first stretch on the water takes about 45 minutes. That gives you time to settle in, take photographs, and enjoy the coast before the first swim stop. If you get bored during the ride, bring a small card game or a book. A phone, camera, and dry bag are also useful, but the water stops are the main event.

Paradise Bay: your first swim

Paradise Bay is usually the first major stop. You get around 30 to 40 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, photographs, or simply watching the scenery from the boat.

This first stop is a good test of the day. You are swimming from the boat rather than stepping onto a fully developed beach, so you need to be comfortable using a ladder or entering the water from the side. If you are not a confident swimmer, staying close to the boat and using any available flotation aid is sensible.

The water is warm and clear in the favorable conditions described for the tour. A mask lets you make more of the stop, since the water can be more interesting than the beach itself. Water shoes help with rocky entry points, and flip-flops are useful when walking on rough sections.

Thirty to 40 minutes can feel short once you have changed, taken photographs, and found a place in the water. Still, the schedule keeps the day moving and gives you several chances to swim rather than putting all the time into one location.

Waterfall Bay and the second chance to swim

The next stop is Waterfall Bay. The name provides part of the appeal, but the practical attraction is another chance to swim in a sheltered coastal setting. You can remain onboard, swim, snorkel, or sit with a drink purchased from the boat.

The second stop often feels more relaxed because you know how the boat works and have already organized your belongings. I recommend keeping your towel, sunscreen, and water bottle together in a small day bag rather than returning to your larger luggage each time.

The timing is not identical on every description of the trip. One schedule allows about 1.5 hours for part of the Suluada visit, while individual swim stops may be shorter. Follow the crew’s instructions closely, since the boat needs to leave on time and the coves are shared with other boats.

If swimming is your priority, use the first few minutes well. Take photographs after your swim rather than spending the whole stop on the deck. The sea is the reason this trip earns its value.

Lunch on board, with fish or chicken

A three-course lunch is served on the boat. On some departures, you can choose between fish and chicken, with salad and a small snack or tea service also reported. The fish received especially strong praise, while one person described the chicken as more like a large nugget.

Food quality is not perfectly consistent. Many people found lunch fresh, tasty, and one of the best parts of the day. Others considered it ordinary or advised bringing extra food. At $21, I see lunch as a useful inclusion rather than a reason to book the trip on its own.

Drinks are not included. Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, and prices were described as reasonable by some visitors. Bring cash, since it is listed among the recommended items. You should also bring your own water, especially if you prefer not to buy several drinks onboard.

Lunch is eaten while you are on the boat, so protect your camera and keep your towel nearby. Music and conversation can make the meal feel festive, but it will not resemble a quiet seaside restaurant.

Maldives Beach and the final Suluada stop

Maldives Beach is the last named stop and gets its name from its white sand and clear water. The comparison is a little grand, but the setting can be striking, particularly when the sea is calm and the sun is bright.

This is the stop for your best water photographs. You can swim, snorkel, take pictures of the coast, or stay on deck and watch people move between the boat and the water. A waterproof phone case is a smart addition, as is a spare change of clothes for the return journey.

The beach itself may be crowded, and the sand is not always soft underfoot. Some sections include rough stone, which is why water shoes are more than a nice extra. If you have tender feet, do not rely on bare feet or thin sandals.

The schedule aims to give you enough time without making the day feel rushed. Still, one person wished the swim stops were longer because the time passed quickly. That is a fair warning: the day gives you several opportunities, but no single cove is yours for hours.

The return journey and the value of the day

After the final stop, the boat returns to Adrasan. There may be a short additional yacht transfer of about 15 minutes before you rejoin the coach, followed by the road trip back toward Antalya and the listed drop-off points.

The total duration is advertised as 7 to 12 hours. The wide range reflects different pickup locations, waiting time, breakfast stops, and the day’s operating schedule. From Antalya, expect a full-day outing rather than a quick half-day activity.

At $21 per person, the value is unusually strong if you want a full day on the Mediterranean without arranging a car, boat, lunch, and coastal route separately. The price also includes the main boat tour, and selected options include hotel pickup and return.

The trade-off is comfort. You are paying for access and a busy day, not a private boat, gourmet meal, or perfectly quiet cove. If you compare the cost with a private charter, this tour wins easily. If you compare it with a small luxury sailing trip, the boat capacity and shared schedule matter.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want:

• Clear water and several chances to swim
• A low-cost day from Antalya, Kemer, or nearby resorts
• A social boat with music and a playful crew
• A family-friendly outing with simple activities
• A convenient package that includes transport on selected options
• Scenic photographs without planning your own coastal route

Children can enjoy the boat, and the group includes a wide range of ages. Parents should still bring sun protection, water shoes, towels, and a change of clothes. The schedule is active but not built around difficult walking.

You may want a different experience if you dislike long road transfers, crowded swimming areas, onboard music, or fixed departure times. The tour also may not suit you if you want long snorkeling sessions or a private, quiet boat.

Pack breathable clothes, comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, water, cash, and a camera. Water shoes are my strongest recommendation. A waterproof phone pouch and your own snorkeling mask can make the swim stops much easier.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is offered. Pickup is optional, so check the exact departure option carefully before paying.

Should you book the Suluada Island tour?

Yes, if you want a high-value sea day and are happy to share the boat with a large group. The clear water, three swim areas, lively guides, and included lunch make this one of the better budget activities around Antalya and Kemer.

Book it with realistic expectations. The road transfer can be long, lunch is not guaranteed to impress everyone, and the coves may be crowded. Bring water shoes, cash, sunscreen, and your own mask if you have one. If that sounds like a fair trade for a full day around Suluada, this tour is an easy choice at $21.

FAQ

How much does the Suluada Island boat tour cost?

The listed price is $21 per person. Price and availability may vary by selected option and date.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about 7 to 12 hours. Pickup location, transfer time, and the day’s schedule affect the total duration.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you choose an option with transportation. Pickup areas include Antalya, Konyaaltı, Lara Beach, Belek, and Kemer.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Kooperatif Cafe. Your host waits there if you do not select hotel pickup.

How many people can be on the boat?

The boat has a maximum capacity of 65 passengers.

Which places does the boat visit?

The tour includes Paradise Bay, Waterfall Bay, and Maldives Beach around Suluada Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course lunch is included on the boat. Fish or chicken may be available depending on the departure.

Are drinks included?

No. Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are available to purchase onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, water, comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes, cash, and a camera. Water shoes are highly recommended.

What languages are available?

The host or guide service is available in English and Russian.